Chinese Idiom: 千万买邻 (Qian Wan Mai Lin)
English Translation: Paying a Fortune for a Good Neighbor
pīn yīn: qiān wàn mǎi lín
Idiom Meaning: Highlights the importance of having good neighbors and the value of living near people of high character. It suggests that securing a good neighbor is often worth more than the property itself.
Historical Source: Nan Shi · Lü Sengzhen Chuan (《南史·吕僧珍传》), a historical text from the Southern Dynasties.
Idiom Story:
During the Southern and Northern Dynasties period, Emperor Wu of Liang held Lü Sengzhen in high regard for his talents. Once, Lü Sengzhen requested permission from Emperor Wu to return to his hometown to pay respects at his ancestors’ graves. Not only did Emperor Wu grant the request, but he also appointed Lü Sengzhen as the governor of South Yanzhou, elevating his status.
Upon taking office, Lü Sengzhen remained impartial and conducted his duties with integrity. Even his own relatives were only allowed to visit him in the outer hall and were not permitted into the main guest area. Some distant relatives thought that with Lü Sengzhen’s influence, they could avoid their business responsibilities and seek official positions. Lü Sengzhen patiently advised them to return to their businesses and continue working.
Lü Sengzhen’s residence was located near an official’s house that was frequently visited. Some suggested that he should have the official move elsewhere and take over the house for himself. Lü Sengzhen firmly rejected this idea, stating that he would never use an official residence for personal purposes.
People admired Lü Sengzhen for his principled and selfless conduct. An official named Song Jiya, who retired and moved to South Yanzhou, decided to buy a house next to Lü Sengzhen’s private residence. When Lü Sengzhen asked how much he had paid for the house, Song Jiya replied, “I spent 11 million in total.”
Surprised, Lü Sengzhen asked why it was so expensive. Song Jiya smiled and explained, “One million was for the house, and ten million was for the neighbor.”
Lü Sengzhen took a moment to understand the remark and then laughed, recognizing the profound value placed on having a good neighbor. This story gave rise to the idiom “千万买邻” (Paying a fortune for a good neighbor), underscoring the significant worth of having honorable and supportive neighbors.
